ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s Latino voters could play an important role in the 2026 midterm elections, as Democrats and Republicans work to build on past gains and address the issues shaping voters’ decisions.
Latinos make up about one in four voters in Florida, representing a diverse electorate with roots across the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
In 2024, many Latino voters shifted toward Republicans, helping reshape the political landscape. Now, with the midterms approaching, a key question is whether that support will continue.
News 6 anchor Lauren Melendez spoke with Republican political voice Jaime Florez, Hispanic Communications Director of the Republican National Committee, and Chair of the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico, Luis Dávila Pernas, about how their parties are approaching Latino voters — and where they disagree on the issues that matter most.
The economy remains a central concern
Republicans point to President Donald Trump’s economic message as a major reason Latino voters supported him in 2024. Florez said the GOP wants voters to focus on what he describes as improvements in inflation, prescription drug prices and job creation.
“He received the country in ruins. We had the worst inflation in over 40 years. Now we have an economy that has inflation under control,” Florez said.
Democrats, however, argue that economic concerns remain a challenge for the administration, pointing to the cost of living and expenses that continue to affect families.
Dávila Pernas said some Latino voters who supported Trump are now reconsidering that decision.
“There are a lot of people with buyer’s remorse in the Latino community who feel they were duped,” Dávila Pernas said.
Cost of living and inflation remain important issues for Latino voters, making the economy a central part of both parties’ efforts to earn their support ahead of November.
Immigration enforcement divides the parties
Immigration is another major issue shaping the political debate, particularly as the Trump administration increases enforcement and changes policies affecting some immigrant communities.
The Department of Homeland Security has reported more than 985,000 deportations since Trump returned to the White House, while the administration has also moved to end Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans and Haitians.
Republicans argue the administration is enforcing existing immigration laws and that asylum protections have legal requirements, which some Latinos may not be following.
“Some people don’t understand the law of legal asylum in the United States. It’s not the fact that the economy in your country is bad that grants you asylum,” Florez said.
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Democrats, meanwhile, criticize the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement, arguing that its actions have raised concerns among Latino families and communities, especially after a series of violent or deadly attempts from ICE agents to make arrests.
Dávila Pernas said voters want elected officials to focus on solutions rather than political conflict.
“People just want representatives who can actually work and get things done and are tired of the fighting,” Dávila Pernas said.
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